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Winter Spice Sangria

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to indulge in festive beverages that warm the soul and ignite the spirit. What better way to captivate your guests than with a glass of Winter Spice Sangria? A delightful remix of the classic Spanish red sangria, this winter version is infused with aromatic spices and seasonal fruits that scream holiday cheer.

A Drink Steeped in Tradition

Originating from Spain, sangria has been a beloved drink that’s enjoyed worldwide. However, the traditional summer sangria gets a festive makeover in this winter version. The Winter Spice Sangria is not just another holiday beverage; it’s a celebration of flavors, combining the richness of red wine with the aromatic bliss of cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns.

The Spice-Infused Syrup – The Secret Ingredient

The star of this sangria recipe is undoubtedly the spice-infused syrup. This syrup is a concoction of water, sugar, and a medley of spices that include a cinnamon stick, whole black peppercorns, and cloves. Optionally, you can add a star anise to give it an additional layer of complexity. The syrup not only sweetens the sangria but also imparts a rich, spicy undertone that complements the fruitiness of the wine.

The Perfect Blend of Fruits and Spirits

The Winter Spice Sangria calls for a light-bodied red wine such as Shiraz, Red Zinfandel, Temperanillo, or Grenache. The wine is then jazzed up with brandy and freshly squeezed orange juice, giving it a citrusy kick. Adding to the fruit medley are slices of sweet apple and ripe Bosc pear, which soak up the wine and spices to become tasty little morsels.

Make It Ahead for Maximum Flavor

The best part? You can make this sangria in advance! Mix all the ingredients and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or, better yet, overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and delectable drink that’s sure to impress.

How to Serve

Before serving, let the sangria come to room temperature to fully appreciate the spice profile. Garnish with additional fruit slices for that extra touch of festivity. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, this Winter Spice Sangria is the perfect drink to elevate your holiday celebrations.

Spiced Winter Sangria

Winter Spice Sangria Cocktail Recipe

4.45 from 29 votes
Calories: 358kcal
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Unveil the magic of the season with this Winter Spice Sangria, which features a delightful blend of warm spices, winter fruits, and a mélange of red wines. This sangria is a perfect way to add a touch of Spanish flair to your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Spice-Infused Syrup:

  • 1/3 cup Water
  • 1/3 cup Sugar
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 4 whole black peppercorns
  • 2 whole Cloves
  • 1 whole Anise optional

For the Sangria:

  • 1 Bottle Red Wine (Shiraz, Red Zinfandel, Temperanillo, or Grenache)
  • 3 small Orange(s)
  • 1/4 cup Brandy
  • 1 Apple(s) quartered, cored, and sliced
  • 1 Pear quartered, cored, and sliced

Instructions

Crafting the Spice-Infused Syrup:

  • Combine water, sugar, and whole spices in a small saucepan.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  • Strain the syrup into a bowl, retaining the cinnamon stick for later use. Discard the remaining spices.

Assembling the Sangria:

  • Pour the selected wine into a large pitcher.
  • Juice two of the oranges, aiming to yield approximately 1/2 cup of juice. Add this juice to the wine.
  • Add the brandy and spice-infused syrup to the wine mixture.
  • Slice the remaining orange in half and add it to the pitcher, along with the sliced apple and pear. Include the saved cinnamon stick.
  • Cover the pitcher and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, allow the sangria to reach room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator 1-2 hours in advance.
  • Serve garnished with additional fruit slices, if you like.

Notes

For the best flavor, prepare the sangria a day in advance to allow the spices and fruit to infuse the wine fully. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar syrup if desired. Enjoy this festive drink at your next holiday gathering!
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Estimated Nutrition:

Serving: 1servingCalories: 358kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 46g (15%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 12mg (1%)Potassium: 516mg (15%)Fiber: 5g (21%)Sugar: 35g (39%)Vitamin A: 216IU (4%)Vitamin C: 43mg (52%)Calcium: 79mg (8%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
CourseBeverage, Cocktail, Drinks
CuisineBeverage, Cocktail, Drinks
KeywordBeverage Recipe, Cocktail Recipe, Drink Recipe

Winter Spice Sangria is more than just a cocktail; it’s a celebration in a glass. So this holiday season, take your festivities up a notch with this flavorful, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible sangria. Cheers to a season filled with joy, laughter, and excellent drinks! 🍷